Monday, January 25, 2010

I want to be able to protect them all.

This is Hlengiwe. isn't she beautiful?! She is one of the children that we support through Project O. In the early hours of this morning She climbed into a helicopter and was flown to the top of a mountain in the Valley of a Thousand Hills (her home). Why did we do this? Well at the moment we are in the middle of filming a number of short films to help raise awareness and funds for Project O. Hlengiwe stood on top of the mountain and sang a song while being filmed.

Hlengiwe lives in a hut with her alcoholic uncle and her 4 adult male cousins. She is the only female in the home and due to this she is basically a slave. She does EVERYTHING! Cooking, cleaning, laundry and she has to go to school. Often her uncle makes her stay up into the early hours of the morning doing house work. What saddens me is that this is perfectly acceptable in the Zulu culture. This little girl just wants some one to love her and hold her and there is no one there to do that. She has no one to talk to, what is going to happen when she starts her period? When she has her first crush? Who is there to help her through these times? I am so sad right now.

I don't have any answers. I don't know what to do. And this really frustrates me so much. Please pray for this situation, that God keeps her safe, that He gives her peace and that He gives us an answer. It took me a very long time to say good bye to her today and everything within me wanted to take her home with me, but I cant. At least not yet!

9 comments:

Amaris in Wonderland said...

I will pray for this beautiful young girl. I wish i could hug her myself.

When you see her again, please tell her that she has sisters around the world, that are praying for her & send BIG hugs. :)

InspiredDreamer said...

That is such a beautiful photo of her, and she is lovely. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about what she has to go through, and seeing the sadness in the second photo, after seeing all the joy in the first. I pray God's protection and guidance over her life!

Danae Hudson said...

I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you.
-Philippians 1:3

xxx

Jewel said...

So sad. It's not what life should be. I wish I could hug her and tell her that she deserves more, that she deserves better. Unfortunately, a life like hers isn't uncommon in any area across the world. I'm glad that someone like you can love her like she deserves. I'm praying for her and every girl like her!

Terri said...

Oh, Vashti...I hear your love for this dear one....she was blessed to have you this day. She will remember your face and your love for her for many, many days.

Deborah Ann said...

You are Jesus hands and feet. I pray one day He will take me to these kinds of places to love his children!

Baby Sweetness said...

Divine Mrs. D sent me over and I'm so glad I came. What a beautiful little girl - I pray for all the best for her!

Natalie at Mommy on Fire said...

Uck. I will pray specifically for her but also for all girls, or even boys for that matter, who are in similar situations. It breaks my heart.

Emily said...

Okay, I'm reading your blog all out of order, learning about Project O and everything. That last picture is so wrenching. Gosh. I had no idea. I don't really know what to say except, your blog is inspiring.